In the know

know

Easter Shutdown – You have spoken!

Thank you to everyone who voted in the Easter Shutdown Survey. P&D received 220 votes from ACT staff, with 171 in favour of a two-week shutdown period and 49 against. So, from 2023 we will continue to have a two-week shutdown for Easter (in line with School holidays) with three days annual leave (pro rata) being used for this, along with an additional day's leave (pro rata) being gifted by ACT.

Modern recycling bins arrive in centres!

New colour-coded recycling bins can now be found at our Barry and Aberdare centres, as part of a green-waste scheme for all our sites! The modern bins are loudly labelled, to make it very clear what can be put in each one. As part of our Environmental Strategy, similar bins will appear in even more locations soon.

Walkers raise funds for Samaritans

Determined ACT staff took on a marathon walking challenge to help Samaritans (South Wales Valleys). Each one walked the distance of a marathon during July, for the charity’s “Samarathon” challenge. From multiple donations, they raised a total of £135. You can still support them by visiting their fundraising page at bit.ly/3qyuUSG

Snippets has launched!

The Systems Development team have been busy collaborating with the Curriculum team to develop a new website for our delivery staff. The new app, Snippets, has been designed to allow our assessors, tutors and teachers to create collections of resources, which can then be shared with learners and colleagues. You can find this exciting new app by visiting: bit.ly/3RIkFqX.

To give feedback on the system, please email: simonbarrett@acttraining.org.uk

Barber bills chopped for staff!

ACT staff members who want a summer haircut can save money, if they visit Rudy’s Barbers in Cardiff. When you pop into the salon at The Maltings building, East Tyndall St, just show your work ID and you won’t pay more than £15 for your haircut! For more, call Rudy’s Barbers on 07983 435565, or visit: bit.ly/3BgwcGS

New enquiry line launched

An all-new phone line for people to enquire about courses at ACT is now open. The enquiry line was launched to help improve the start of the learner journey. If you know someone who may be interested in ACT’s courses and programmes, please share the number, which is 029 2270 7070.

Christmas countdown starts for savers

The Credit Union offers a Christmas savings scheme that ACT staff can use, through Payroll. There’s no minimum or maximum amount you can save and all savings are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Anyone interested can find out more at www.cardiffcu.com. If you have any queries, contact the Credit Union on (029) 20872373 or email ccu@cardiffcu.com

Paula praised by grateful learner

Our hard-working Learner Journey Officer Paula Swattridge was thanked by a learner she inspired! Ben Davies, who completed his Advice and Guidance qualification, was so grateful for Paula’s help that he gifted her a selection of wonderful presents, including a bottle of wine and a touching hand-written note! It read: “Paula, I just want to thank you for getting me through the course and not letting me quit. I wouldn’t have finished if it wasn’t for you!”

Donate unwanted books from job

Please donate your unwanted books, so they can be re-sold for good causes. ACT has teamed up with the charity Better World Books, to help raise funds for libraries and literacy groups. Once you’ve gathered some books, just email facilities@acttraining.org.uk to arrange a collection. This only applies to books connected to your job role. Please donate your own personal books to a local charity shop.

Laura bags qualification!

We’d love you to join us in congratulating Laura Cozens, for reaching a well-deserved goal. The hard-working Health and Social Care Assessor completed her Level 4 Advice and Guidance qualification. She’s setting a great example for her learners! Well done Laura!

Share learner stories with form

Have you worked with any brilliant learners, who have a story worth sharing far and wide?

Tell us with the simple form below! Case studies are our opportunity to shout about the positive work we do, as part of ACT! Please fill in the form – with a brief summary of why their story deserves to be heard – and the Communications team will do the rest!

PLEASE NOTE: We can only externally promote learners who consent to be interviewed and have their photograph taken. Learners who are unwilling to do this, will only be able to have their story shared internally with ACT staff.

To access the form, visit: bit.ly/3Dn7ebQ